An elegant, sophisticated erotic dream for men, a symbol of independence, fascination and seduction for women, Valentina is the star of a large "anarchic and emotiona" exhibition in Rome (30 May-30 September, Palazzo Incontro).

The comprehensive show, curated by Archivio Crepax and Vincenzo Mollica, puts the spotlight on a figure who’s been called one of the most complex and sensual women in Italian comics– and justly so. It follows her from her origins in the mid-60s to her latest incarnations.

Over time, we’ve got to know everything about her, from the details of her identity card (Valentina Rosselli; born Milan 25 December 1942, resident at 45, Via de Amicis, single, 1.73m in height, black hair, pale eyes, no distinguishing features) to the sources that inspired the artist Guido Crepax when he set out to create Valentina (they include the actress Louise Brooks) as well as intimate moments from her life, such as the birth of her son Mattia in 1970.

With her famous black bob and camera (which she takes everywhere), Valentina is a sensual Milanese photographer with a cat-like figure that – as an independent woman – she shows off without too many inhibitions. A character perpetually balanced between imagination and reality, our heroine has never hidden her neuroses, her excesses and her obsessions, as well as the fact that she’s often the victim of nightmares and hallucinations, features that have become the lifeblood of the development of her comic book stories.

The exhibition immerses visitors in her world: it’s the complete Valentina experience and doesn’t spare coups de théâtre or the more fun, entertaining side of the character. Life-size silhouettes of Valentina guide us through the many themed sections: Valentina’s origins, her relationship to her time (fashion, photography and advertising), the cities that have been the backdrop to her adventures (New York, Paris, Prague, Berlin, among others). Then there are sections on the more dreamy and hallucinatory aspects of the comic, as well on the relationship of the character to music, cinema and literature. Plus there are over 120 original artworks selected from the 2600 that Crepax made featuring her.

Her creator died in 2003 and the exhibition includes a large section recreating both the real and the imaginary sides of his studio. There are his sources of inspiration, extensive documentary material and a range of filmed interviews with both Crepax and with major artists and critics talking about his work.